Loader Lightweight pallet forks for 200X & 200CX loader

[defed]

it hasn't cost me a cent yet, and i have enough scrap where i might only need to buy a cpl pcs of square tube for the frame.

i have a 4300 w/ 420 loader. it looks like it has a 1200lb lift at full height at the pivot pin. i figure the bucket weighs about 200lbs, so if i can get the total weight closer to 300lbs than 400lbs, it should be decent enough.

i don't plan on doing all that much w/ the forks, but it would be nice to have the open open of the forks vs the closed structure of a bucket for carrying some things.

granted, when we get things like this that we don't 'plan on using much'...the next thing you know you have a pallet of 20 bags of 80lb sakrete to move and then you bust something!

i'll have a look at the forks the OP is using to see if the spacing on the mounting rails is the same. worst case it would be easy enough to modify the frame to take the lighter forks. they are alot cheaper than i thought they would be.

 

[C-Range]

...i have a 4300 w/ 420 loader. it looks like it has a 1200lb lift at full height at the pivot pin. i figure the bucket weighs about 200lbs, so if i can get the total weight closer to 300lbs than 400lbs, it should be decent enough.

i don't plan on doing all that much w/ the forks, but it would be nice to have the open open of the forks vs the closed structure of a bucket for carrying some things.

granted, when we get things like this that we don't 'plan on using much'...the next thing you know you have a pallet of 20 bags of 80lb sakrete to move and then you bust something!

i'll have a look at the forks the OP is using to see if the spacing on the mounting rails is the same. worst case it would be easy enough to modify the frame to take the lighter forks. they are alot cheaper than i thought they would be.

Hi Defed,

The pin and hook spacing is the same on the 210, 200X 200CX, 300X, 300CX, 305, 400X, 400CX, 419, 420, 430, 440, & 460 loaders. As for the pallet forks being sold on eBay, the top of the top rail and the bottom of the bottom rail are to be 16" apart, vertically, which leaves a 10" gap in between. Hope this helps.

 

[defed]

Hi Defed,

The pin and hook spacing is the same on the 210, 200X 200CX, 300X, 300CX, 305, 400X, 400CX, 419, 420, 430, 440, & 460 loaders. As for the pallet forks being sold on eBay, the top of the top rail and the bottom of the bottom rail are to be 16" apart, vertically, which leaves a 10" gap in between. Hope this helps.

thanks, i had looked at the ebay listing and found the fork mount spacing. mine are the same. so worst case, if it's too heavy, i get the lighter forks and fit them on.

it looks like the JD forks for the 400 series loaders weighs in at about 400 lbs. i've read many complaints that this is too much, and alot of ppl are happier w/ 3rd party 'lighter' brands. yea, my forks are industrial....don't know the weight capacity, but i know it is ALOT because of how we use them at work. they are also 45" long (worn down from the original 54" if i recall). they are rated for probably 3x + what my tractor will even lift...so it IS overkill, but again, it was free! after looking at your weight figures again, it looks like i could get the whole thing to weigh in at about 300lbs (240 lbs for the pair of forks). i figure the 61" bucket must weight around 200 lbs, so not too bad if i can get it in around 300 lbs.

 

[C-Range]

Good news and just to update everyone, most everything is now on order and I expect to be able to start building early next week, late next week at the latest.

I could use some help with shipping supplies resources and shipping companies if anyone has the time and/or experience with these things. They are a full time job just by themselves! I need to find a good (local) resource for boxes. For a 48 x 24 x 12" box, Uline has to ship them by truck freight for $50 because of the size!! This won't work, obviously. This is just one example...

 

[C-Range]

For those who've been asking for pricing to buy just the attaching plate with the pins & hooks welded on, I finally have some numbers. The only caveat is that the price quoted to me assumes I am adding them onto the current waterjet order. Chances are, however, there will be another order of fork sets coming along so I'll be able to keep this pricing regardless.

For just the two attaching plates alone with no pins/hooks, the cost is $92. To get them with the pins & hooks welded on and stress relieved, the cost is $197. As usual, I will try to reduce cost through multiple orders as I will be able to run several parts in succession.

I will update the pallet fork "web site" as soon as I get a chance with this information.

**Update: I adjusted the pricing down a bit from my previous calculations. (I need a calculator with bigger buttons)**

 

[dmay]

I need to find a good (local) resource for boxes. For a 48 x 24 x 12" box...

Hey Chris. A few ideas. Check to see if you have any Corrugated Sheet manufacturers in your area and build your own custom corrugated cardboard boxes. Mark, cut, bend, fold, staple. Easier then welding. :laughing: Alternately find a manufacturer in your area that might have similar sized product shipment needs. Window maker?

 

[C-Range]

Thanks dmay. I had a bit of a revelation today. It occurred to me that for the fully assembled frame (which is actually 56" long, not 48), I can use two equal boxes that open on the smallest, narrow end and oppose them, overlapping. This resolves the problem and all boxes are on order.

...And to think I had imagined this whole thing was going to be simple....:laughing:

 

[Deadman]

nothing is simple, and shipping/packaging is a major PITA!

 

[C-Range]

Yes, Deadman, it is surprising how much work is involved with it. Boxes, tape, packing, labels, wrapping, bagging, moisture protection, shipping method, shipping companies, oy! I guess I'll get good at it by the time I'm done....

Next topic, I have a request for everyone who has placed/placing an order: PLEASE INFORM ME OF WHAT MODEL TRACTOR/LOADER YOU HAVE FOR USING THESE PALLET FORKS.

Last, please take a look at my forks website. I've been making a lot of changes and additions. Most importantly, I EXPECT TO BE GETTING ALL PARTS FOR THE BUILDS ON OR AROUND NEXT TUESDAY, 7/20/10.

 

[C-Range]

Hey All,

Just wanted to let you know I put up a few new pics and a couple of videos on that little website I've been throwing together.

Eye Candy

Tuesday is the day!